Modric: Griezmann is the French player who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 03: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid looks on during the Group A match of the UEFA Champions League between Club Atletico de Madrid and Club Brugge at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on October 3, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Antoine Griezmann is the most deserving of all three French nominees for the 2018 Ballon d’Or, says Luka Modric

Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric has reportedly reached an agreement with Real Madrid to extend his contract until June 2021.

“He’s an extraordinary talent, a wonderful promise for the future but who has already displayed a great level. He’s really special,” Modric said.

Despite his favourite tag for the Ballon d’Or, Modric refused to discuss his credentials for the award.

“I do not like to talk that way and say, ‘Yes, I deserve the Golden Ball’,” he added.

“The important thing for me is to be in the field as I have been for months. This year 2018 has been without a doubt the best of my career. (…) You are not going to make me say: ‘It is I who must win it’.

Modric won the UEFA and FIFA Player of the Year awards after a stellar campaign that saw him play a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League title and Croatia’s run to their first ever World Cup final.